Army condemns NPA violation of CARHRIHL in Surigao Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 9): Army condemns NPA violation of CARHRIHL in Surigao Norte 

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army joins the local government officials, the clergy, the civil society organizations and the peace advocates in strongly condemning the violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) for the continuous use of land mines by the New People’s Army (NPA).

In a report, the army troopers while responding to extortion complaints from civilians encountered more or less seven communist terrorists which resulted to the recovery of an improvised land mine planted near Sitio Kauyangan, Brgy Camam-onan, Gigaquit, this province.

The said encounter happened Monday morning, May 8, 2017 which lasted for ten minutes that also led to recovery of other war materials and foodstuffs.

"These communists have been there for a week conducting extortion to poor masses despite of the conditions of President Duterte to Stop NPA extortions before the resumption of Peace Talks. We also received reports that this group is conducting recruitment to minors on the said barangay," said 30IB Civil Military Operations Officer 2Lt Jonel Castillo.

It can be recalled that President Duterte set conditions which include the cessation of extortion activities conducted by the NPA rebels before the resumption of Peace Talks last March of this year.

"It is clear that these communists do not want peace for the communities. They continue conducting extortion to poor people, harassing communities and recruiting minors to join their group," said 30IB Commanding Officer Col. Rico Amaro.

"It is also a violation of the NPAs on the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHIHL) regarding the use of land mines," Amaro added.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2731494233710/army-condemns-npa-violation-of-carhrihl-in-surigao-norte-